Friday, March 11, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Books Books Books
Thought I would mention that today when I got out of class, I went to a bookstore that sells used books down the street from my house. I bought a ton of scripts for dirt cheap prices. I even got a complete works of william shakespeare book that has a beautiful cover and was published in 1938. pretty! Makes me excited and want to get back into theatre somehow. Or maybe film? Could I make a film project?? Who knows. I miss directing though. Something has to be done. Ideas are always welcome.
oh and a link to the bookstore: You should check it out if you can!
http://www.dunawaybooks.com/about.html
oh and a link to the bookstore: You should check it out if you can!
http://www.dunawaybooks.com/about.html
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Heeellllooo Again
Dear everyone,
It's been so long since I have posted anything! I wonder if anyone still checks this thing? Eh, no matter. It will be good to look back on everything some day. I just wanted to update though, because so much has happened- is happening.
As I mentioned, I decided to go back to school to become an interpreter, and I really enjoy it. Sign language is wonderful and is definitely a new passion of mine. In fact, I have just made a youtube channel and I am working on editing some videos that I signed to post on it. I will throw a link to that up here as soon as I get everything posted, and you can watch my videos and tell me what you think.
BUT this blog was supposed to be about me becoming a director, not a sign language interpreter or a manager of a retail store or anything else crazy that is happening. When I started this blog, I thought I had it all figured out. I thought by now I would be living in some huge city, broke as hell and having the time of my life.
I think the break from theatre has been good though. It has allowed me to re evaluate and spend just a little bit of time focusing on the things that I am passionate about.... because there is so much! And I wish I had time to pursue everything I love- I wish I had time to do volunteer work, to take cooking classes and do yoga, I wish I had time to go visit my little sister at the ranch and maybe learn how to ride horses. I wish I could be involved in politics and work in a campaign office. I wish I could be a professional make up artist... I could be in school forever!
Did I tell you about getting involved with the Deaf Theatre production at STLCC? It was fantastic, and I would love LOVE LOVE to have a senior project where I could direct a show that was entirely done in sign language. Maybe I can work it out, but for now I have enough on my plate.
Anyway, I just wanted to post a little update- tell you I love signing and I love my job at teavana, but I also can't wait to get back into theatre more. :)
Ill try to post again soon. I hope to d something with theatre over the summer, but we shall see.
It's been so long since I have posted anything! I wonder if anyone still checks this thing? Eh, no matter. It will be good to look back on everything some day. I just wanted to update though, because so much has happened- is happening.
As I mentioned, I decided to go back to school to become an interpreter, and I really enjoy it. Sign language is wonderful and is definitely a new passion of mine. In fact, I have just made a youtube channel and I am working on editing some videos that I signed to post on it. I will throw a link to that up here as soon as I get everything posted, and you can watch my videos and tell me what you think.
BUT this blog was supposed to be about me becoming a director, not a sign language interpreter or a manager of a retail store or anything else crazy that is happening. When I started this blog, I thought I had it all figured out. I thought by now I would be living in some huge city, broke as hell and having the time of my life.
I think the break from theatre has been good though. It has allowed me to re evaluate and spend just a little bit of time focusing on the things that I am passionate about.... because there is so much! And I wish I had time to pursue everything I love- I wish I had time to do volunteer work, to take cooking classes and do yoga, I wish I had time to go visit my little sister at the ranch and maybe learn how to ride horses. I wish I could be involved in politics and work in a campaign office. I wish I could be a professional make up artist... I could be in school forever!
Did I tell you about getting involved with the Deaf Theatre production at STLCC? It was fantastic, and I would love LOVE LOVE to have a senior project where I could direct a show that was entirely done in sign language. Maybe I can work it out, but for now I have enough on my plate.
Anyway, I just wanted to post a little update- tell you I love signing and I love my job at teavana, but I also can't wait to get back into theatre more. :)
Ill try to post again soon. I hope to d something with theatre over the summer, but we shall see.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Taking the Scenic Route
So. Wow. What is going on? Where to begin?
Well, as the title of this post suggests and as you might already know, I have sidestepped the path that I had all etched out in stone for myself. It wasn't the easiest decision. I thought "come on! It's time to get going, life!" I was all set to grab an internship, make no money and let this crazy bohemian life begin. But you meet people and you learn things everyday. Things change, and you have to just roll with it.
I have decided to get an associates in sign language interpreting. On one hand, I find it completely absurd that this is going to take me three years! I just got my BFA in three years and now it's going to take me three years to get an ASSOCIATES? What a shame that so many precious years will be spent sitting in a desk. I honestly wish there was another program in Saint Louis, but there isn't. So, here I am. I am doing the student thing again. Fighting with loan companies, finding a parking spot in ten buck two, carrying around a bunch of books and remembering to do homework. I don't know about anyone else, but you get your diploma in the mail and you can't even imagine doing it all again. Well, I did. And, the negative things that I mentioned above not withstanding, I am glad that I decided to do it. I didn't enjoy my undergraduate school to be perfectly honest. It's nice to finally feel good about walking into a classroom. I am not stressed. In fact, I have already finished my homework for three of my four classes for the entire semester!
There are a lot of reasons I decided to do this. The first one being that I am obsessively communicating with my hands. I love sign language. I love signing to music. I love signing to people who have no clue what I am saying and I love being the only one that can communicate with people that do. It is an exciting extra set of skills that I am glad to be getting. The second reason is that I think I will fair well in big cities (New York, Chicago etc) as an interpreter and a director and will have the ability to make money in two flexible ways. I would love to interpret theatre as well. I would get to meet some great people, and it would be something that I definitely enjoy on two levels. Well, there is more, but I am rambling...
Anyway, the point of this blog "Becoming a Director" would be to discuss how this will aid or defer my path to "become a director". Well, let's talk about that for a second. It will certainly defer my path, but when I finally do move and work in a city, it will afford me the opportunity to work only part time and make enough money to live in the city. Yes, it does set me back by several years in my educational goals as they pertain to theatre, BUT not to worry. I am continuing to do work in theate. Namely, I continue to work with Hotcity theatre.
First, I will be representing Hotcity at the Clayton Art Fair on Saturday the 10th from 9am-1pm or so. You should come by. See Equus. I am not involved in the production, but it will still be a great show. :) Second, I am slowly working to develop Hotcity's educational program.
A little more about the educational program: I am trying to decide on a couple of things- my target audience, budgeting and costs (and who should pay them), and the overall design of the program. My thoughts as of now are to target elementary and middle schools, and to do a week long after school program (maybe two weeks?). Focus on theatre and art as a way of developing self expression, creative thinking skills, problem solving skills, reading skills and social skills. Ideally I would make time to educate about theatre, play games and conclude with a small performance. Thoughts from educators and theatre professionals in this matter would be much MUCH appreciated.
Anyway, I think that is all for now. Just thought I would share a bit. Sometimes my brain is a jumbled mess. :)
Cheers!
Well, as the title of this post suggests and as you might already know, I have sidestepped the path that I had all etched out in stone for myself. It wasn't the easiest decision. I thought "come on! It's time to get going, life!" I was all set to grab an internship, make no money and let this crazy bohemian life begin. But you meet people and you learn things everyday. Things change, and you have to just roll with it.
I have decided to get an associates in sign language interpreting. On one hand, I find it completely absurd that this is going to take me three years! I just got my BFA in three years and now it's going to take me three years to get an ASSOCIATES? What a shame that so many precious years will be spent sitting in a desk. I honestly wish there was another program in Saint Louis, but there isn't. So, here I am. I am doing the student thing again. Fighting with loan companies, finding a parking spot in ten buck two, carrying around a bunch of books and remembering to do homework. I don't know about anyone else, but you get your diploma in the mail and you can't even imagine doing it all again. Well, I did. And, the negative things that I mentioned above not withstanding, I am glad that I decided to do it. I didn't enjoy my undergraduate school to be perfectly honest. It's nice to finally feel good about walking into a classroom. I am not stressed. In fact, I have already finished my homework for three of my four classes for the entire semester!
There are a lot of reasons I decided to do this. The first one being that I am obsessively communicating with my hands. I love sign language. I love signing to music. I love signing to people who have no clue what I am saying and I love being the only one that can communicate with people that do. It is an exciting extra set of skills that I am glad to be getting. The second reason is that I think I will fair well in big cities (New York, Chicago etc) as an interpreter and a director and will have the ability to make money in two flexible ways. I would love to interpret theatre as well. I would get to meet some great people, and it would be something that I definitely enjoy on two levels. Well, there is more, but I am rambling...
Anyway, the point of this blog "Becoming a Director" would be to discuss how this will aid or defer my path to "become a director". Well, let's talk about that for a second. It will certainly defer my path, but when I finally do move and work in a city, it will afford me the opportunity to work only part time and make enough money to live in the city. Yes, it does set me back by several years in my educational goals as they pertain to theatre, BUT not to worry. I am continuing to do work in theate. Namely, I continue to work with Hotcity theatre.
First, I will be representing Hotcity at the Clayton Art Fair on Saturday the 10th from 9am-1pm or so. You should come by. See Equus. I am not involved in the production, but it will still be a great show. :) Second, I am slowly working to develop Hotcity's educational program.
A little more about the educational program: I am trying to decide on a couple of things- my target audience, budgeting and costs (and who should pay them), and the overall design of the program. My thoughts as of now are to target elementary and middle schools, and to do a week long after school program (maybe two weeks?). Focus on theatre and art as a way of developing self expression, creative thinking skills, problem solving skills, reading skills and social skills. Ideally I would make time to educate about theatre, play games and conclude with a small performance. Thoughts from educators and theatre professionals in this matter would be much MUCH appreciated.
Anyway, I think that is all for now. Just thought I would share a bit. Sometimes my brain is a jumbled mess. :)
Cheers!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
This is How it Works...
It's over!
As quickly as it began, the play festival has ended. I was blessed to have spent a week with a group of wonderful people getting a wonderful experience. It was really just one pleasant week after several weeks or preparation. Aubrey, the Management Associate, Courtney, another intern, Emma, yet another intern, and myself were basically the work horses of the whole event. We bought all of the food and wine, did all of the paperwork, contacted all of the vendors, ran rehearsals, assisted the directors and played personal assistants to the playwrights themselves. It was a lot of stress and a lot of fun. By the end of the week, we had premiered three wonderful, brand new plays, and I think everyone found it to be a success
Here is a picture of all the Festival Staff:
I worked with Eric Rudnick (perhaps you should google him). In addition to being a very talented playwright and a charming, giving individual, he is also a producer in Los Angeles California who has worked as a producer on a number of reality shows including Big Brother, Hell's Kitchen, and his current project, Biggest Loser. So, aside from learning all kinds of valuable information about running a play festival, I got to learn a lot about life on the other side of entertainment-film and television. Eric was incredibly generous, always in a positive mood and sincerely devoted to the work that we were doing. I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to spend time with him.
Here is a picture of Eric, Gwydion (another playwright) and me. Eric is the one on the right:
My foot is fully in the door of St. Louis Theatre, and despite the minimal time I spent there, I have sensed a few new doors cracking themselves open for me.
Now it is time to get down to business and work on my summer projects.
1) Get some friends together and produce some theatre in St. Louis. Keep things fresh and exciting.
2) Re-design the education program for HotCity Theatre in hopes of getting it on its feet in the fall
3) Learn sign language, probably signing up for fall classes at STLCC
4) Continue work on my resume and submitting it to companies (hopefully get a valuable internship next summer if not by the spring).
5) Continue working at Teavana, educating people about the awesomeness of tea and getting some excellent people experience in the process
I am sure there are more things that will continue to crop up. Lots to keep up with as it is right now, however. I look forward to seeing what will come along in the next couple of weeks.
As quickly as it began, the play festival has ended. I was blessed to have spent a week with a group of wonderful people getting a wonderful experience. It was really just one pleasant week after several weeks or preparation. Aubrey, the Management Associate, Courtney, another intern, Emma, yet another intern, and myself were basically the work horses of the whole event. We bought all of the food and wine, did all of the paperwork, contacted all of the vendors, ran rehearsals, assisted the directors and played personal assistants to the playwrights themselves. It was a lot of stress and a lot of fun. By the end of the week, we had premiered three wonderful, brand new plays, and I think everyone found it to be a success
Here is a picture of all the Festival Staff:
I worked with Eric Rudnick (perhaps you should google him). In addition to being a very talented playwright and a charming, giving individual, he is also a producer in Los Angeles California who has worked as a producer on a number of reality shows including Big Brother, Hell's Kitchen, and his current project, Biggest Loser. So, aside from learning all kinds of valuable information about running a play festival, I got to learn a lot about life on the other side of entertainment-film and television. Eric was incredibly generous, always in a positive mood and sincerely devoted to the work that we were doing. I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to spend time with him.
Here is a picture of Eric, Gwydion (another playwright) and me. Eric is the one on the right:
My foot is fully in the door of St. Louis Theatre, and despite the minimal time I spent there, I have sensed a few new doors cracking themselves open for me.
Now it is time to get down to business and work on my summer projects.
1) Get some friends together and produce some theatre in St. Louis. Keep things fresh and exciting.
2) Re-design the education program for HotCity Theatre in hopes of getting it on its feet in the fall
3) Learn sign language, probably signing up for fall classes at STLCC
4) Continue work on my resume and submitting it to companies (hopefully get a valuable internship next summer if not by the spring).
5) Continue working at Teavana, educating people about the awesomeness of tea and getting some excellent people experience in the process
I am sure there are more things that will continue to crop up. Lots to keep up with as it is right now, however. I look forward to seeing what will come along in the next couple of weeks.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Summer Times
Well, my diploma came in the mail last week, so I guess that makes it official: I am a college graduate. Of course that is exciting and terrifying at the same time. I am in some cosmic limbo between the end of my childhood and the beginning of being an adult in which I have no responsibilities to school or homework, and I find myself working a part time job and interning at a small theatre and wondering what comes next. Its one of those crossroads in life, and once you pick a road to walk down, there is really no changing your mind.
So, like I said, right now I just got a job working at Teavana, and I start training on Thursday for that. I am excited about it because I love Teavana, but at the same time, it is going to be little more than a little bit of pocket money, and after the play festival, I am still going to need to find something more substantial.
Speaking of the play festival, I am currently serving as a management intern at the HotCity Theatre Company in downtown St. Louis. We are working on a New Play Festival for which we are flying in three playwrights whose plays were selected to premiere at the festival, and we have each been assigned to a play to serve as stage manager/assistant director. The festival is free to the public, and we will be having a world premiere of a new play every night. So, anyone who is reading this should come and bring friends and family and enjoy a night of free theatre!
Anyway, that's enough plugging. So, the next step is to determine whether I should get a degree in sign language interpreting or move to the city and jump into theatre. I really love sign language, and it has been a lot of fun to learn it over the last several months, and it would be another really useful and potentially profitable skill to have. I dont know. Lots to think about.
But. That is all for now!
XOXOXOXOXO
So, like I said, right now I just got a job working at Teavana, and I start training on Thursday for that. I am excited about it because I love Teavana, but at the same time, it is going to be little more than a little bit of pocket money, and after the play festival, I am still going to need to find something more substantial.
Speaking of the play festival, I am currently serving as a management intern at the HotCity Theatre Company in downtown St. Louis. We are working on a New Play Festival for which we are flying in three playwrights whose plays were selected to premiere at the festival, and we have each been assigned to a play to serve as stage manager/assistant director. The festival is free to the public, and we will be having a world premiere of a new play every night. So, anyone who is reading this should come and bring friends and family and enjoy a night of free theatre!
Anyway, that's enough plugging. So, the next step is to determine whether I should get a degree in sign language interpreting or move to the city and jump into theatre. I really love sign language, and it has been a lot of fun to learn it over the last several months, and it would be another really useful and potentially profitable skill to have. I dont know. Lots to think about.
But. That is all for now!
XOXOXOXOXO
Monday, May 3, 2010
Stream of Consciousness
I am back sooner than I anticipated. I have just been thinking a lot about how to get where I want to be, and then I figured I could use this as a bit of a sounding board since it is all about the process of me getting there anyway...right?
A timeline of my life...
- August 2010 to May 2011: Whatever random inernship(s) I can get
- May 2011 to August 2011: Options: Williamstown Theatre Festival Directing Program, Lincoln Center Directors Lab, Roundabout Theatre Residency Program, etc.
-August 2011- May 2012: Options: Longwharf Theatre Residency Program, Shakespeare Theatre Company Directing Program
-or if I don't get in, I will move to NYC-
-May 2012 to ?: Have moved to New York City and be employed and working on independent projects
-August 2014: Attend graduate school (top on the lists are Yale and Northwestern)
-May 2016-August 2016: Hangar Lab Director
-August 2016: Move back to New York with more focus on project and production work. Become a member of Women's Project Director's Lab. Complete Projects and other work I have not yet been able to do
-2018: Turn 30. Please god be a director with a real job and benefits!!!
Then, I can start my life. Pay off my debts. Start a family.
-2028: Start getting my doctorate
-2031: Get highered as a full time college professor or open a theatre
-2053: Retire after being totally awesome
*I also want to direct film at some point. Perhaps I will get a degree in it after I have my masters in theatre?
Well, that is enough thinking and analyzing for now. I am going to nap and then do soem homework
loves!
mwah!
A timeline of my life...
- August 2010 to May 2011: Whatever random inernship(s) I can get
- May 2011 to August 2011: Options: Williamstown Theatre Festival Directing Program, Lincoln Center Directors Lab, Roundabout Theatre Residency Program, etc.
-August 2011- May 2012: Options: Longwharf Theatre Residency Program, Shakespeare Theatre Company Directing Program
-or if I don't get in, I will move to NYC-
-May 2012 to ?: Have moved to New York City and be employed and working on independent projects
-August 2014: Attend graduate school (top on the lists are Yale and Northwestern)
-May 2016-August 2016: Hangar Lab Director
-August 2016: Move back to New York with more focus on project and production work. Become a member of Women's Project Director's Lab. Complete Projects and other work I have not yet been able to do
-2018: Turn 30. Please god be a director with a real job and benefits!!!
Then, I can start my life. Pay off my debts. Start a family.
-2028: Start getting my doctorate
-2031: Get highered as a full time college professor or open a theatre
-2053: Retire after being totally awesome
*I also want to direct film at some point. Perhaps I will get a degree in it after I have my masters in theatre?
Well, that is enough thinking and analyzing for now. I am going to nap and then do soem homework
loves!
mwah!
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